DULUTH, Minn. – The Bethany Vikings are headed to the UMAC tournament championship on Saturday after losing game one to St. Scholastica and rallying to win game two against Northwestern.
In game one, St. Scholastica jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after the first inning. The Vikings tied the ballgame in the fourth inning with a single up the middle from Kevin Harris that plated Ben Boran and Mylo Hommes. Unfortunately, despite collecting ten hits in the ballgame which was two more than the Saints, the Vikings did not score any more runs. The Saints' defense and pitching was solid, forcing the Vikings into four double-plays with a total of seven runners left on base. The Saints added two runs in the bottom of the eighth and won by a final score of 4-2.
Logan Nissen started on the mound for the Vikings and pitched seven innings, giving up six hits and two runs with four strikeouts. Alex Babcock checked in for Nissen and pitched one inning, giving up two hits and two runs. Grant Becher led the Vikings' offense with three hits. Diego Martiarena, Ben Boran, and John Brown each tallied two hits. Harris had one hit and two RBIs.
After losing game one, the Vikings had to regroup quickly in order to avoid elimination against the Eagles of Northwestern. This game was a pitcher's duel from beginning to end. Anthony Radloff delivered a gutsy performance, pitching 7.2 innings and gave up only two hits and one run while collecting five strikeouts. Alex Babcock came in to relieve Radloff and shut down any offensive attempt from the Eagles, striking out three of the four batters he faced. Despite great efforts from both pitchers, the Vikings found themselves down 1-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth.
It was time for a rally and the Vikings delivered with a total team effort. Diego Martiarena boarded first base right out of the gates with a walk, and then Ross Beumer came in to pinch run. Grant Becher stepped up next and singled to right center which advanced Beumer to second. With the winning run on first base and zero outs, Mylo Hommes laid down a perfect bunt to advance the runners to second and third. With both runners now in scoring position, Nick Caldeen blasted a single up the middle to plate Beumer and Becher for the win, 2-1.
Up Next: The Vikings advance to the UMAC tournament championship where they will face St. Scholastica. The Vikings will need to beat the Saints twice tomorrow to advance to the NCAA Regional. Game one begins at 1 PM at Wade Stadium in Duluth.
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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu
